EASY DOES IT: Sampling the fare at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Photo: George Long

NEW YORK foodies tend to think of the Big Apple as the center of the culinary universe, but let’s get serious for a minute: There are great chefs all over the United States, quite content with never opening in Manhattan. You could easily use up all your vacation time — and go bankrupt — chasing all the flavors and visiting all the restaurants you’ve read about and seen on TV.

Or you could simply spend a few days at one of the country’s many food and wine festivals, where you travel to one destination and the chefs come to you — offering unique meals and experiences that often don’t even cost as much as that overblown tasting menu in your neighborhood. Here are four you can still book that are worth salivating over.

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE

Apr. 28-May 1

Play a round of golf alongside celebrity chefs in Pebble Beach and stop at the food and wine stations located throughout the exclusive course ($1,000). Get a taste of Texas at a lunch with five Lone Star chefs, including Tim Love and Dean Fearing ($200).

Splurge on the Delicacy Dinner at the Lodge at Pebble Beach with Chicago’s Charlie Trotter and Gale Gand joining Los Angeles’ Joachim Splichal and New York’s Daniel Humm and Geoffrey Zakarian ($500).

Rao’s executive chef, Dino Gatto, who runs the kitchen at the East Harlem restaurant most New Yorkers will never be allowed to eat at, will be at “Big Night With the Rao’s Family” at Caesars Palace, offering up a family-style dinner ($175). Michael Mina, one of the best chefs in the country without a New York outpost, will host a four-course lunch at Mandalay Bay’s Stripsteak ($150).

All eyes at the Encore celebrity chef blackjack tournament ($125 to watch) will be on Wynn Las Vegas’ Paul Bartolotta, the man with the legendary langoustines, who’s shockingly won the tournament three years in a row. Party late-night with Hubert Keller at Mandalay Bay’s Fleur ($125).

Insider tip: An event with Paris icon Joel Robuchon is already sold out, but he’s also cooking at the Paul Bocuse tribute dinner ($395) at MGM Grand along with Alain Ducasse, Guy Savoy and others. Or there’s still time to try to get a reservation at Robuchon’s two MGM Grand restaurants. He spends a lot of time in the kitchens of both — tweaking his menus and creating new dishes — when he’s in town.

Charleston’s Sean Brock will bring his buzzed-about style of comfort food to town and cook dinner with Joe Schafer at Schafer’s Parish restaurant ($115-$135). John Besh and other highly regarded Gulf Coast chefs will join Scott Serpas at Serpas True Food for a dinner celebrating New Orleans cuisine ($150-$185). Chris Lilly will host a barbecue tailgate party at 5 Seasons Brewing Company. ($50-$100).

Insider tip: Atlanta is home to former “Top Chef” fan favorite Kevin Gillespie, who’s hosting a festival dinner at his Woodfire Grill ($135-$160). Don’t be surprised if that restaurant turns into a chef’s clubhouse all weekend.

The city’s best-known restaurants, including John Besh’s August, multiple Dickie Brennan eateries, and Commander’s Palace, will offer special wine dinners ($75 to $150). Rick Tramonto, of the beloved Tru in Chicago and a forthcoming New Orleans restaurant with John Folse, will offer a lunchtime seminar with wine pairings ($75).

Insider tip: It’s worth drinking early when you’re doing it with local food goddess (and long-time Post contributor) Lorin Gaudin, who’s part of a morning champagne seminar with food from Anthony Spizale of the Rib Room ($100). (PS: Need any local dining tips? Gaudin’s your go-to.)